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Neal's condition is similar to the one that cost former Spurs guard Brent Barry three weeks during the 2007-08 season. Neal says Barry told him sitting out did little to improve his health.

“That's the whole dilemma,” Neal said. “I don't want to miss a month, come back and it still hurts. Then you've got to worry about getting your conditioning back on top of it. If you're not going to make it worse, you might as well play.”

Neal totaled 19 points and made 6 of 16 shots in two games off the bench since returning from the injured list. When not in the game, Neal sits with a heat pack strapped to his calf.